Life at The Purcell School is vibrant, inspiring, and full of opportunity – a unique blend of musical excellence, academic rigour, and personal growth.
Whether boarding or attending as a day student, all our pupils are part of a warm, welcoming community. Each day begins with music – often quite literally – with early morning practice setting the tone for a productive and creative school day. Our day students arrive from 8.00am, while boarders gather for breakfast at 8.20am, ready to dive into lessons, rehearsals and a rich programme of activities.
Boarding is a big part of life at Purcell, with around 75% of students living on campus. Our three boarding houses – Avison, Sunley and Ellington – are lively, supportive environments where lifelong friendships are made. With access to practice rooms, the recording studio, gym and cosy common areas, boarders enjoy a balanced and fulfilling routine that allows them to focus on their passions and feel truly at home.
Day students are fully immersed in school life too. They stay on for concerts, rehearsals, clubs and social events, making the most of the same wide-ranging opportunities as boarders. Many day students remain late into the evening, contributing to the school’s rich community spirit.
At Purcell, we know that well-being and creativity go hand in hand. Our physical activity programme includes everything from football and dance to yoga and pilates – helping students stay fit, focused and ready to perform at their best.
Weekends are often filled with rehearsals, trips into London, social events and time to unwind. Whether performing in a concert, enjoying brownies at break or taking a quiet moment in a common room, life at Purcell is as joyful as it is enriching.
